Country Information:
The South East Asian kingdom of Cambodia has as rich and as ancient a cultural heritage as its neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, but nearly three decades of civil war have wreaked havoc with the socio-economic and political conditions in the country; more than a million people were killed during the zero year of the Pol Pot regime; the intelligentsia were wiped out in an effort to create an agrarian society and millions more were left homeless by the civil war.
Its time travelers discovered destinations other than Pattaya, Phuket and Bali in South East Asia. Cambodia has some truly spectacular sights to see - the capital, Phnom Penh with an old-world French colonial charm to it; and the spectacular temple complex of Angkor Wat, easily the grandest one even in this part of the world with its sprinkling of temple complexes
Itinerary
Phnom Penh Arrival
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Int’s Airport, process immigration procedure (visa on arrival is available or obtain in advance via www.evisa.gov.kh), then get your luggage and walk straight to the Exit Gate where our guide & driver are waiting. After self-introduced, you’ll transfer directly around 45mins to the hotel in the city center for check in (check in time is 2pm). Time to fresh-up and relax at hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh City Tours / Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel
At morning (8:00am), you’ll be picked up at the hotel lobby by our guide with driver and start embarking via Sihanouk & the Sothearos Blvd passes through the main Phnom Penh’s highlight spots including; Independence Monument, Building of Naga World Casino & Chaktomuk Conference Hall.
We’ll visit either The Royal Palace or The National Museum (The Royal Palace closed for renovation and will reopen in coming Oct’ 22). Then heading to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or also known as prison number “S-21”. From 1975-1979, Formerly a school building, S-21 the site served as an interrogation and extermination center, operated by the regime of “Democratic Kampuchea”, commonly known as the “Khmer Rouge regime. Prisoners were systematically tortured and murdered on site or on the killing field of Cheung Ek. At last, we stop at Phsar Themy (The Central Market) or Phsar Toul Tom Phuong “Russian Market” where you could find a wide array of souvenirs, clothing & other goods. Back to your hotel to get your luggage and ready to check out.
At noon, drop off at bus station for you to catch a public express bus to Siem Reap (314km-6hrs drives). On arrival, meet our guide & driver, then you’ll transfer to check in at hotel and relax.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Angkor Discovery
Breakfast at hotel
08:30am enjoy a full day tour with our local English-speaking-guide & driver at Angkor World Heritage Site covers the most impressive and stunning temples in the country, the Heart & Soul of Cambodia!
Begin a trip to avoid the crow by visiting to Ta Prohm - The Ancestor Brama & Jungle Temple, famously known as the Tomb Raider temple. Most of this temple is covered by gigantic trees that have grown over the ancient structures for over 600 years. Ta Prohm has been left untouched by archaeologists except for the clearing of a path for visitors and structural strengthening to stave off further deterioration.
After Ta Prohm, head on over to Ta Keo, one of the biggest temples built during the Khmer Empire and it was built a couple of hundred years before Angkor Wat temple. Then visit the ruined Ta Nei temple that’s hidden in the jungle. Continue your trip to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom where you will be welcomed by the four smiling faces of the King Jayavarman VII in the form of Buddha accompanied by gods and demons. This is a truly amazing sight. Enter through the gates to discover the impressive Angkor Thom temple complex (the Great City of King Jayavarman VII between 1181 – 1220 AD). The area consists of the Elephant Terrace, Leper King, Preah Paleilay, Ancient Royal Palace, Phimean Akas, Baphoun, and Bayon.
At noon, you’ll visit to the World Heritage Site; the biggest Buddhist temple on the World. seeing the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat and stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. If time permitted, we go to view sunset from where possible before return to hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake - Departure
Breakfast at hotel
08:30am, You’ll pick up and drive about 25mins to Chhong Khneas Boat Docks, located about 15 kilometres at South of Siem Reap town. Arrive the port, then embark on a traditional wooden boat and start cruising on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s biggest natural water body, one of the largest fresh-water in South Asia and its home to one of the World’s most diverse ecosystems. The experience on boat is wonderful as you’ll pass by floating village, shops, schools, restaurants, Post office, mostly seeing friendly children in their small boats going to or return from school and fishermen doing their daily life. You also have chance to view romantic sunrise or sunset if you come early in morning or late afternoon.
The boat trip will spend around 1.30 - 2 hrs depend on how much you enjoy yourself and we’ll return to the city and continue to visit "Les Artisans D`Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles", this center works with young artisans; the team creates, produce and market a unique collection of ornamental sculpture, lacquer, silk weaving and silk painting. The company promotes fair and sustainable development in order to provide benefits to rural communities.
At noon (check out time is 12pm), transfer to Siem Reap Int’s Airport for connecting flight home or next destination! “End of Services”